The Process

The UN World Youth Report web platform has been established by the United Nations Focal Point on Youth to enable young people contribute their personal stories and perspectives on how migration affects them, either as migrants, return migrants or young people left behind by migrant parents.

As part of the process leading to the development of the UN World Youth Report 2013, the UN Focal Point on Youth will organize a number of interactive activities, among them, an online survey, an e-consultation, a Google+ Hangout with young people and experts. The aim of these is to give young migrants and other youth affected by migration the space to share their experiences on migration. These interactive activities are expected to commence from 23 January and run until 6 March 2013.

Having young people participate directly through various activities will help us to ensure that the World Youth Report is based on the perspectives of those young people who continue to form a significant part of international migrants but have had limited opportunities to share their views on migration, its opportunities and challenges.

Who can participate?

For the purpose of this Report, UN DESA is inviting the participation of young people aged between 15 to 35 years - considering the UN Secretariat’s definition of youth as well as local cultural context of countries and regions across the world, the long term impact of migration on human development, and a range of life cycle issues. It is important to note that the proportion of young migrants’ peaks between the age range of 18 to 29. Additionally, representatives of youth-led organizations will be invited to share their perspectives and experiences on youth and migration.

Efforts will be made to target young people who have no or limited access to internet or online platforms to facilitate their participation in the consultative process. This will be done mainly through youth migrant networks and other relevant youth organizations.

The UN Focal Point on Youth aims to build awareness of the global situation of young people, as well as promote their rights and aspirations, working toward greater participation of young people in decision-making as a means for achieving peace and development.